Scientific Intelligence. — Statistics. 377 



of gravity. But it is probable that such an accumulation of the 

 waters would not be sufficient to restore equilibrium, if the de- 

 rangement had been grtot ; for the mean density of the sea is 

 only about a fifth part of that of the earth ; and the mean depth, 

 even of the Pacific Ocean, is not more than four miles, whereas 

 the equatorial radius of the earth exceeds the polar radius by 

 twenty-five or thirty miles ; consequently, the influence of the 

 sea on the direction of gravity, is very small ; and, as it thus 

 appears that a great change on the position of the axis is incom- 

 patible with the law of equilibrium, the geological phenomena 

 must be ascribed to an internal cause. Thus, amidst the mighty 

 revolutions which have swept hmumerable races of organized 

 beings from the earth, which have elevated plains, and buried 

 mountains in the ocean, — the rotation of the earth, and the po- 

 sition of the axis on its surface, have undergone but slight va- 

 riations."" 



BOTANY. 



12. Indian Coffee. — In a communication from India to Dr 

 Traill, it is stated that a Dr Strong has succeeded in raising a 

 marketable coffee, in some quantity, at Russypugla, about five 

 miles from Calcutta. The attempt failed in the hands of Dr 

 Wallich, and those of Messrs Palmer and Company, who tried 

 it on a large scale. The secret of Dr Strong's success is in cul- 

 tivating his plants in tlie sun, not in the shade. He states, 

 when cultivated in the shade of other trees, as has been recom- 

 mended by some, the roots and branches are more scanty than 

 when they grow in the full sun. We expect, in our next 

 Number, to report as to the qualities of the coffee, from expe- 

 riments made in this country. Dr Strong says that if they can 

 succeed in the formation of artesian wells, the cultivation may 

 be extensively carried on in his neighbourhood, and with great 

 prospect of its becoming a grand article of commerce. Should 

 it equal, or be near in quality, to Mocha coffee, it will undoubt- 

 edly be of vast importance to Bengal. 



STATISTICS. 



13. Academy of St Petersburg. — The sixth series of the Me- 

 moirs of this Academy commences at the centenary celebration 

 of this learned body, held in 1826. Up to this date, the com- 

 plete collection of its volumes comprehends five series, each of 



